(1) Distance measurements. Unless otherwise expressly stated, distances specified in this Code are to be measured as the length of an imaginary straight line joining those points.
(2) Lot area measurements.
(A) Lot area measurements. The area of a lot includes the total area within the lot lines of a lot, excluding any street right-of-way or other legal public dedication. For nonconforming lots, see § 157.089.
(B) Reductions in lot area prohibited. No lot shall be reduced in area so that lot area per dwelling unit, lot width, yards, building area or other requirements of this Code are not maintained.
(3) Lot width measurements. Lot width is the horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at the required front setback or at the building line for any irregularly shaped lot.
(4) Setbacks and yards.
(A) Measurements. Setbacks refer to the unobstructed, unoccupied open area between the foundation of the structure to the nearest lot line on which the structure is located. Any projection of the structure that extends more than two feet from the foundation shall meet the minimum setback requirements.
(B) Yards required for buildings. A yard or other open space required about a building shall not be included as part of a yard or other open space for another building.
(C) Front yard setback.
1.) Measurement. The front yard setback shall extend the full width of the lot and shall be measured from the street right-of-way line to the structure.
2.) Double frontage lot. A double frontage lot shall provide a front yard setback on both streets. The remaining yards shall meet the side yard setback requirements.
3.) Corner lot. A corner lot shall provide a front yard setback on all streets. The remaining yards shall meet the side yard setback requirements.
4.) Cul-de-sac or curved street lot. For a cul-de-sac lot or a lot abutting a curved street, the front yard setback shall follow the curve of the front property line.
(D) Architectural projections. Open structures, such as porches, canopies, balconies, platforms, carports, covered patios and similar architectural projections, shall be considered parts of the building to which such open structures are attached and shall not project into the required minimum front, side or rear yards.
(5) Height measurements and requirements.
(A) Height measurement.
1.) Building height shall be measured at the finished grade at front of building for any elevation fronting on a public street, including attics, half-stories, mezzanines and at-grade structured parking, but excluding features that are completely below grade, such as basements, cellars, crawl spaces, subbasements and underground parking structures.
2.) Where specified in feet, building height shall be measured as follows:
a.) To the tallest point of the roof for flat roofs;
b.) To the deck line of mansard roofs; and
c.) To one-half the distance between the eaves and ridge for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs.
(B) Height limit exceptions. Height limits shall not apply to belfries, chimneys, church roof structures not intended for human occupancy, church spires, clock towers, cupolas, domes, flagpoles, monuments, water towers, or similar structures or appurtenances; provided, however, the following:
1.) The appurtenance does not interfere with Federal Aviation Regulations, being 14 C.F.R. Part 77, Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace;
2.) The appurtenance does not extend more than 15 feet above the maximum permitted building height, except as allowed in this Code;
3.) The appurtenance is not constructed for the purpose of providing additional floor area in the building;
5.) Alternative energy systems; provided they meet requirements of the applicable code regulating their use.
(C) Additional height allowance for appurtenances. All appurtenances, as referenced in division (5)(B) of this section that exceed 15 feet above the maximum permitted building height shall be permitted only upon approval by the PZC.
(Prior Code, § 1227.01) (Ord. 2009-21, passed 10-27-2009)